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By Martin Farrell — Wednesday, September 9th, 2009
In a two-line email to the Gazette, dated September 9, Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Jeff Sweeney has stated: “Evalene Townend has requested a reassignment from personnel responsibilities due to personal reasons. After careful consideration, I have granted her request for reassignment to a Director of Student Support Services and Special Projects.” In order to take this action, a new title and a new position had to be created. This, at a time when teaching staff is being cut. The Gazette has been thrust into a very bizarre scenario regarding Ms. Townend, ongoing for several months. Credible allegations of serious misconduct have been made against her, regarding false and inflammatory phone communications concerning a teachers union official, which has sparked legal activity. The Gazette has learned that many teachers and other District employees, who are aware of the allegations, are outraged that stronger action has not been taken in this case. More information will be forthcoming in the near future. In the meantime, both the Superintendent and the Fillmore School Board have shown a marked reluctance to take meaningful action in this case. Though the Gazette has been interviewed by Mr. Sweeney and a private investigation firm employed by the School District law firm regarding this case, and has interviewed several highly credible witnesses, apparently regulations make it difficult for either the Board or our Superintendent to comment publically. In the event more information is not forthcoming from the District or the Board, the Gazette will release what information it has obtained. |
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By Tom Pedersen — Wednesday, September 9th, 2009
With all of the problems and apprehension we are experiencing during these recent and challenging times, a number of groups have evolved that want to stand up and have their voices heard. If we agree with their message we consider them mainstream; if we disagree we consider them to be dissenters. The founders of this great country faced the same ordeal back in the 1700’s. Our citizens were being subjected to many laws, taxes, regulations and hardships administered by a heavy handed and somewhat unbending monarchy located thousands of miles away. The result was a significantly large number of people gathering together to make known their feelings. Not all sought the same outcome. Some wanted to remain loyal British subjects while others desired to be governed by their own people in their new land. While it was certain that the bearers of both the philosophies were sincere and dedicated to their personal desires and individual loyalties, they ultimately came together and created the greatest groundswell of dissent of modern times. The results were The Declaration of Independence and the establishment of our nation. The first statement of the Declaration declares “…a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them…” The ability to dissent has been an absolute CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 9th, 2009
 Sunday, at approximately 4:00 p.m., a three vehicle accident occurred at the intersection of Bardsdale and Sespe Avenue. A westbound car on Bardsdale Avenue traveling at a high rate of speed struck an older model Suburban. Enlarge Photo  Five persons were reported in the Suburban, including three children and two adults. The Suburban was thrown approximately 50 feet into a dump truck parked in front of a residence near the intersection. Injuries to the occupants of the Suburban were not available. Enlarge Photo  The adult male driver of the car was taken by ambulance to a local hospital for observation. The force of the impacts destroyed a heavy steel barrier and some signage. Extensive damage was done to all three vehicles. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Thursday, September 3rd, 2009
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department  Conrad Fimbres Date and Location of Robbery: On August 30, 2009, shortly before midnight, a male adult brandished a handgun and robbed the ARCO gas station located at 3907 E. Telegraph Road, Piru The suspect ordered an employee to remove money from the cash register and place it into a bag. The employee did as the suspect ordered and then the suspect fled the area on foot. Deputies responded to the scene and soon developed a lead on the suspect. Detectives contacted local law enforcement agencies and learned that the suspect was possibly driving a stolen U- Haul truck. On September 1, 2009, at about 10:53 am, Sheriff’s Patrol Sergeant Gregg Willson was patrolling the City of Moorpark, when he observed a U-Haul truck driven by a man matching the description given by the Piru deputies. Sergeant Willson detained the driver and passenger as possible suspects in the robbery. The truck was confirmed stolen, and the passenger, Hollie Briant, 32 years, was arrested for outstanding felony warrants. The driver, Conrad Fimbres, 42 years, was arrested for the felony armed robbery and felony possession of the stolen vehicle. Briant and Fimbres are both residents of Piru and were booked at the Ventura County Main Jail. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
Alcohol the suspected cause
 Abel Flores Torres, 64, of Fillmore was arrested for suspicion of Driving under the Influence of alcohol after causing a three vehicle collision Sunday. Torres was driving north on Piru Canyon Road when his car drifted into the south-bound lane near a curve, about 2:25 p.m. Rafael Vega, 47, of Long Beach heading south, attempted to avoid Torres’ car by swerving right towards an embankment. Torres’ car struck Vega’s car, then crashed head-on into a third vehicle, south-bound, driven by Fernando Paz, 49, of Compton, according to CHP reports. Enlarge Photo  A Ventura County Sheriff’s helicopter quickly responded to the scene. Torres was flown to Simi Valley Hospital for treatment. Enlarge Photo  The drivers of the three vehicles, with their three passengers, were transported to Simi Valley Hospital and Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital in Valencia. Only minor injuries were reported. Torres was arrested for suspicion of DUI at Simi Valley Hospital. Enlarge Photo |
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By Carol Wilson — Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
 Fillmore Unified School District schools have shown increases in STAR test results, according to numbers revealed before District Trustees Tuesday night, September 1, 2009. According to the most recent report the District English Language Arts rose to 40.6 percent passing, compared to the 2008 score of 31.1 percent. Math scores for the District this year are 35.4 percent, an increase from 31.9 percent last year. Most sub-groups showed improvement in English and math as well. Two schools had exceptional improvement from last year. Katy Hadley, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Curriculum and Assessment told the board that both Sespe and Piru went up in English and math. Sespe increased 10.1 percent in English and 12.8 percent in math. Piru grew 18 percent in English and 10.4 percent in math. “The staffs and principals have worked so hard to support student needs,” she said. “They should be commended.” She continued, “It is a privilege to work with the principals and the staffs.” District Superintendent Jeff Sweeney said he was pleased to hear the results. Results for other district schools include San Cayetano School with a 3.3 percent jump in English and a 5.6 percent improvement in math. Mountain Vista was CONTINUED » |
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By Andy Arias — Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
This coming Saturday, September 5th offers great family fun at the 9th Annual PiruFest, in historic downtown Piru at the Piru Depot and Gazebo Plaza Park. Activities for this Labor Day Weekend festival begin at 3:00 pm and continue until 10 pm. Registration for the horseshoe tournament will start at noon with play set for 2:00 pm. The Depot and park are located on Center Street in the downtown district. The Piru Neighborhood Council (PNC) and Rancho Temescal are sponsors for this annual event and joined this year by MAD Youth, (Making A Difference). MAD Youth are organizing a variety of games for all ages, including the good old fashioned Dunking Booth featuring local community and regional leaders as “dunkees”. Local arts and crafts vendors continue to sign up to offer unique jewelry and other specialty items, as well as information on upcoming health and community events, such as Relay for Life and Ramona Days at Ranch Camulos. Food vendors have also signed on to feature their treats. Food vendors will offer treats from Piru restaurants and shops as well as specialty items such as tamales, bar-b-q pit sandwiches, soft drinks, corn on the cob, hot dogs and more. Handmade quilts, jewelry, and other gift items will be available from a variety of vendors. Always a hit with the locals and friends, the popular Horseshoe Tournament returns under the skills of Rusty Ortega. Organizers set up the pits in this downtown park CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
 Fillmore Police are investigating the circumstances that lead to a Fillmore man being stabbed on Friday August 28th at about 10:15 a.m. The victim, Jose Murillo, 20 years, suffered a punctured lung and was taken to Santa Paula Hospital. He was listed in serious condition. The case is under investigation and appears to be an incident of domestic violence. A female juvenile suspect has been identified as the suspect and is in custody for the crime. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
On Wednesday, September 9, United Water Conservation District will begin its annual fall release of water held behind Santa Felicia Dam in Lake Piru. The release is expected to last 50 days through about October 29, but the period may be adjusted depending upon weather. During this 50-day period 21,000 acre-feet will flow down Piru Creek to the Santa Clara River -an acre-foot represents the amount of water sufficient to cover an acre of land to a depth of one foot and is the amount generally used by two average households in one year--. Approximately half of the water will recharge the Piru, Fillmore and Santa Paula Groundwater Basins as the water moves down the river to the Freeman Diversion at Saticoy. The other half of the water will be delivered directly to agriculture on the Oxnard Plain and will help to prevent groundwater pumping from overdrafted coastal aquifers. This irrigation water will be provided during a period of high demand, since it is during October that a large share of strawberry seedlings are planted. As a result of the release the amount of water stored in Lake Piru will drop from 41,000 acrefeet down to minimum pool at CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009
08/19/09-09/26/09
Ventura County Sheriff's Department VANDALISM |